House chairman issues subpoenas for Trump's tax returns

Elena Summers

(PA) Some on the committee like Rep Lloyd Doggett, a liberal Democrat from Texas, have argued that if they were in Mr Neal's position, they would hold Mr Mnuchin in contempt of Congress if he refuses to hand over the tax returns, a step that is unlikely to happen with Mr Neal at the helm of the committee. The law allows the chairmen of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees and the Joint Committee on Taxation to request the tax returns of any taxpayer and that the Treasury secretary "shall" provide them. The Committee must specify any reasons.

The order demands those returns by next Friday after Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refused an earlier request. After consultations with the Ministry of justice he is not entitled, therefore, to the tax returns.

White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said in an interview with Fox News that this demand was a stunt and vowed that Congressional Democrats would never see Trump's tax records.

The Treasury Department and the I.R.S. did not immediately comment on the subpoenas.

"I won the 2016 Election partially based on no Tax Returns while I am under audit (which I still am)", Trumptweeted this afternoon, "and the voters didn't care". Usually publish United States presidential candidates tax returns during the election campaign.

Ferrari says no more engines for Maserati
We've reached out to a Maserati representative for more information on this, and we'll update when we hear back. Beyond that point, the Maranello-based company has no intention of supplying engines to any other company.

Representative Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, has staunchly opposed Neal's efforts to obtain the tax returns. Mr. Mnuchin had rejected a request for the returns made under a little-known provision of the federal tax code that dates back to the Teapot Dome scandal of Warren G. Harding's administration almost a century ago.

With so-called Subpoenas of Congress, can load under threat of prosecution witnesses or documents to request.

It seems likely that Mnuchin and Rettig will make the same argument again.

The courts would then have to answer an important question: Are the interests of the government in an effective tax system and that of citizens in maintaining the confidentiality of their financial information outweighed by the First Amendment right of the press, and by and the public's interest in obtaining financial information on elected officials? A procedure could take years and possibly even before the Supreme Court land. Plate Trumps government team ever since, with requests for documents or hearings. But others are so certain that the returns will reveal corrupt and perhaps criminal misconduct that any means of securing them - including impeachment proceedings that would supply a clear legislative goal for the demands - are justified.

Share this:

Hot News

China to hike tariffs on USA goods in JuneMay 14, 2019 - 00:56
Trump announced the pair of meetings to reporters in the Oval office on Monday afternoon. Beijing matched Trump's earlier 25% tariff on $50 billion of American goods.

Saudi Arabia says oil tankers targeted in 'sabotage attack'May 13, 2019 - 18:19
It said the UAE had taken all necessary measures and launched an investigation in coordination with worldwide authorities. Fujairah's port is located about 85 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, through which a third of all oil at sea is traded.

Mystery over three bodies found shot by crossbow in hotel roomMay 13, 2019 - 17:09
News agency DPA reported on Sunday that employees of a hotel in the town of Passau found the bodies and two crossbows in the room. German police are investigating the deaths of three people who were found in a hotel impaled by crossbow bolts.

Mental Health Week a chance to 'get loud' about wellnessMay 12, 2019 - 08:01
This week marks Mental Health Week and the Canadian Mental Health Association is inviting everybody to get loud for mental health. Now, his mother is taking action in order to help other families and teens suffering from depression and mental illness.

Warriors owner plans to keep Curry, Thompson with team 'forever'May 12, 2019 - 07:50
Kawhi Leonard has been the best player in the East this postseason, so he would give Toronto a chance against Milwaukee. The final series investment opportunity from Westgate in relation to the NBA Future charts could be decided tonight.

Mazda Designs Inline 6-cylinder EnginesMay 12, 2019 - 07:33
As an extra bonus, as many an enthusiast would argue, a straight-six simply sounds better than a V6. Offering a six-cylinder engine has the potential to majorly boost Mazda's image as a luxury brand.

Roger Federer loses cool in flawed victoryMay 11, 2019 - 01:45
"You don't win matches every day saving match points and it makes you feel good, but it is more relief I feel right now". The Swiss figure made quite the statement previous year , winning the Australian Open - his 20th major title.